* MAKE SURE YOU REALLY NEED TO LOSS WEIGHT
Do not attempt to be dangerously thin. Determine if you really need to lose weight first by using our Ideal Weight Calculator.
* SET GOALS
It's hard to go somewhere if you do not have a map. Set goals for your weight loss plan. How much do you intend to loss and when do you hope to achieve your ideal weight?
* ATTITUDE
Know your reasons for losing weight. Don't be afraid of small setbacks. Be patient, as the saying goes..."you did not gain the weight in 10 days, why should you think you can lose it in 10 days"?
* EXERCISE
An exercise program is essential to a successful weight loss plan. It does not have to be strenuous or time consuming. Thirty minutes a day, three days a week is ideal for most people. It can be floor exercises, running in place, a brisk walk outdoors. If time is short, you can break it up into three 10 minute sessions a day.
* SET REASONABLE GOALS
You should not plan on losing more than 1-2 pounds a week for a safe, reasonable diet plan. Do not reduce calories below 1200 a day for women; 1500 per day for men.
* ADJUST EATING HABITS
Be aware of portion sizes. Take smaller portions and eat only what you should if someone else serves the portions. Practice eating slow. Studies show that when you take longer to eat, you feel satisfied with smaller amounts of food. Eat more often (4 or 5 times a day) but eat less. Avoid the habit of no breakfast, medium lunch and huge dinner.
*ADJUST LIFESTYLE
Try to avoid meals in a busy, chaotic environment. If you are distracted while eating you tend to eat more. Avoid fast food unless you know the calorie content of what you are eating. Even fast food salads are sometimes high calorie.
* DRINK WATER
Drink water during the day. It helps prevent that empty, hungry feeling.
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